I finally got to ride up the mountain today instead of just around my neighborhood (I have been busy working and then waiting to get in my MTB bar ends and my handlebars cut down to size). I've been using this bike to bike around with my dogs and for a quick workout.

What a difference ride this bike up hill is compared to my hybrid! I was able to pedal through gravel. Most of the time, I did NOT use up all of my gears. I am so much faster uphill and I feel so much safer (better traction) going downhill.

Also, thank goodness I stuck to my gut instinct about sticking to flat pedals. There were some steep narrow downhills with ruts that I had to actually jump off of my bike quickly and walk my bike downhill.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)